Humpback Whales Return to Hawaii

Published: 2011.11.04 08:00 AM

photo: wayne levin

November marks the official return of the humpback whales to Hawaii waters. Unfortunately, some will become entangled in fishing gear and other manmade debris. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary has started encouraging citizen whale watchers to report any entangled whales they see. “For us, people calling in reports is big,” says Ed Lyman, a Sanctuary whale rescue expert. “We’re not out there doing patrols every day, so we rely very heavily on the people who are out there. I couldn’t do without them.” Lyman estimates more than 12,000 humpbacks will be in Hawaiian waters this year; if you see one in trouble, call (888) 256-9840.